Tattoos

News about Tattoos, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.

Chronology of Coverage

Dec. 21, 2014

Los Angeles tattoo artist Brian Woo discusses his passion for creating unique ink for his clients, which include some big name celebrities. MORE

Jul. 3, 2014

Watercolor- and 3-D-inspired tattoos, as well as temporary tattoos, are popular this summer. MORE

Jun. 2, 2014

Tattoo artist Vinnie Myers has developed a unique specialty in nipple tattoos for women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. MORE

May. 1, 2014

Tightening of Army's regulations on wear and appearance of soldiers' uniforms and insignia, including restrictions on tattoos, is driving last minute ink rush before regulations go into effect at end of April; Army is allowing soldiers to keep tattoos that they had before effective date, and tattoo artists are reaping short-term profits. MORE

Apr. 13, 2014

Op-Ed article by author Leslie Jamison describes her experience getting a tattoo, only to find out that it said more complicated things about herself than she had meant it to. MORE

Feb. 16, 2014

Dan Brooks Riff essay contends the ubiquity of tattoos among Americans who grew up in the 1990s is unsettling because they are a symbol of youth, which is less fun to have around when one gets old. MORE

Feb. 3, 2014

Side Street column tattoo artist Thom DeVita honed his art over 30 years of practice on Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1960s, at time when tattooing was neither fashionable nor legal; DeVita is subject of documentary by Chris Grosso. MORE

Jan. 2, 2014

Ear tattoos, popularized by celebrities and fashion models, have become latest trend; although space confines of the ears demand simplicity in design, ears frame the face, making them bold choices for ink placement. MORE

Jul. 28, 2013

Neighborhood Joint column on Smith Street Tattoo Parlor in Carroll Gardens, destination for those looking for authentic Brooklyn ink. MORE

May. 5, 2013

Louise Rafkin Booming essay on tattoo that she got 36 years ago, a constant reminder that some things in life are hard to undo. MORE

Apr. 18, 2013

Research suggests that over a fifth of American adults have tattoos, but many of the tattooed are careful to hide their body art in the workplace. MORE

Feb. 16, 2013

Many cancer survivors and fighters who got tattoos bearing name of Lance Armstrong's Livestrong organization do not regret their decision following his doping admission. MORE

Dec. 29, 2012

Q&A with New York Knicks guard J R Smith, who has more than 70 tattoos. MORE

Dec. 16, 2012

Some brides, whether for reasons of aesthetics, religion or family harmony, are covering up their tattoos on their wedding day; description of several techniques, including cosmetics or permanent lasers, that can hide or remove tattoos described. MORE

Oct. 1, 2012

Children and grandchildren of Auschwitz survivors in Israel are taking step of memorializing the darkest days of history on their own bodies, by tattooing same number on themselves as the family holocaust survivor; with number of survivors in Israel dropping to about 200,000 from 400,000 a decade ago, institutions and individuals are grappling with how best to remember the Holocaust, so integral to Israel’s founding and identity, after those who lived it are gone. MORE

Jul. 24, 2012

Tattoos of the Olympic rings have become popular body art among competing athletes, but it is a particular mark of prestige among the United States swim team members because of the fierce competition for Olympic berths. MORE

May. 24, 2012

Nicholas D Kristof Op-Ed column recounts several incidents of pimps using tattoos and sharp instruments to brand the prostitutes under their control; holds branding is another reminder that many prostitutes are victims rather than criminals; expresses support for several programs targeting human trafficking. MORE

Nov. 3, 2011

China's People's Liberation Army relaxes rules barring recruits from having tattoos on their faces and necks as part of an effort to broaden its appeal to China's better-educated and perhaps more hip youth; enlistees may also be chubbier or thinner than the rules had previously allowed. MORE

Nov. 3, 2011

New York Islanders join with Lou Rubino Jr, commonly known to Long Island residents as Tattoo Lou, to offer their fans hockey related body art at a booth during select home games. MORE

Oct. 27, 2011

Edward Rife, tattoo parlor owner whose purchase of Ohio State football memorabilia led to an ongoing NCAA investigation, is convicted of money laundering and selling hundreds of pounds marijuana and sentenced to three years in prison. MORE